With just two days left before Malaysians cast their votes, I share with you my thoughts on the General Election.
Since the parliament was dissolved, the events that followed were quite interesting. We see the nomination for BN was not annouced in one shot but the news about the nomination trickled one after another . All that happened not without a few raised eyebrows.
For a start we saw a few faces being dropped... and ironically a few faces that should have been dropped still still happily smiling. While the mainstream media portray the ruling party as being strong and stable, the actual fact, there are rifts in the component parties. Yes Team A, B and even C exists in not one but all the component parties.
Then, there was palace intervention.
Putting all those aside, no doubt BN will win this election. Here's why:
1) Money, Money, Money
First of all, they have the financial muscle to help them out with the campaigning. Of course with loaded business personalities representing BN, most of them have no problems forking out the dough for campaigning. For those who cant afford, there are a lot of local companies that are willing to "donate" to the ruling party (or were they asked to "donate").
I was told that the Election Commission's budget to run this year's election is RM 120 million. The amount is for election commission alone, i guess the money that goes in to campaigning can easily double that amount.
Off the record, I wonder if the recent sale of Telekom shares by Khazanah Nasional have anything to do with the election.
2) Malaysians are content.
What do Malaysians do in their past time? Complain. We like to complain but we dont take charge and change the system. While we like to complain, we are still too comfortable for a change.
This issue also revolve along the "tidak apa" attitude.
3) BN hedging on stability
This goes hand in hand with my earlier point. Knowing that Malaysians like being Malaysian, the ruling party decided to bank on the average behavior of the average Malaysian.
4) Malaysians are apologetic
With Dr.M out of the picture and all, everything seemed to be fine. All the grudge against the system miraculously dissapeared. They were all actually swept under the carpet and it would only take the next government to do something stupid to expose the dirt under the carpet. Again, the "tidak apa" attitude.
5) Giving chance
Basically, most middle income Malaysians would like to see how Pak Lah perform. Four months is not enough to gauge the capabilities of a leader.
6) The Opposition got no issues
Need I say more?
7) Perks
As silly as it may sound, the care taker government are giving small perks to the public. The Jalan Pahang Toll consessionaire have ceased toll collection today and the Penchala link will have extended their toll free period till 21st March.
Then again, there are a few things BN could do to boost their ratings:
1) No increase in toll and petrol price for at least one year.
2) Rakyat friendly budget for 2005 (tax breaks etc)
3) More perks for the rakyat
4) Review of the ringgit peg
5) Economic stimulus packages
6) Public holiday if they win the election
Having said that, I believe the opposition should put up a strong fight in this general election. Afterall if BN wins, toll will definitely keep on increasing... and despite the campaign highlighting the comparison of fuel prices in our country with other countries, the price of fuel will infact increase by a few cents if not later this year, next year. Who knows, telephone and electricity tariffs might also increase.
It would be nice to see the opposition deny the 2/3 majority, but the rate they are going currently, I dont think they would be able to acheive the feat. However, I do hope the opposition would put a good fight and win a few more seats. Afterall this would eventually put BN on their toes rather than celebrating their victory until the next election comes. The Parliament would also be less happening without the presence of the opposition. And that would definitely give way for the wakil rakyats to visit Lala-Land while Parliament is in session. Im sure the rakyat would not want to vote a sleepy head to serve them. So, exercise your rights and vote wisely!
Before I go, here's a brilliant read.
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